Merial to acquire Newport Laboratories

Merial has announced plans to acquire Newport Laboratories, a privately held animal health company specialising in autogenous vaccines for swine and bovine patients.

The Minnesota-based organisation offers advanced molecular diagnostic technology for use in identifying pathogens, as well as novel manufacturing innovations for the creation of effective vaccines.

By purchasing Newport, Merial will be able to expand its production animal business and better serve the needs of the swine market, while complementing its established leading position in the vaccine industry.

It will also allow Newport to bring its various products to territories beyond the US in the long term.

Jose Barella, chief executive officer of Merial, said: "The combination of Newport's expertise and Merial's strength in technology and geographic footprint will reinforce our exposure to the swine market segment and illustrates our strategy to expand our position in treatments for production animals."

Last year, Merial established new global headquarters in Lyon, France, a region of great strategic importance to parent company Sanofi.